• US- and London-based edtech DataCamp has acquired UAE-based Optima, an AI-native learning platform that personalises lessons, pacing, and feedback for each learner in real time.
• Optima, founded in 2021 by Yusuf Saber, develops adaptive learning technology designed to teach data and AI skills to enterprises and individuals. 
• The deal marks DataCamp’s first major expansion into the Middle East, with the company launching DataCamp Classrooms to provide educators and students in the UAE free access to over 500 interactive courses covering Python, SQL, Power BI, Java, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and more.
• Founded in 2013, DataCamp is an online learning platform for data and AI skill building.

Press release:

DataCamp, the leading online learning platform for data and AI skill building, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Dubai-based Optima, an AI-native learning platform for building data and AI skills. Optima founder and CEO Yusuf Saber will join DataCamp as Chief AI Officer, with the rest of the company’s employees joining DataCamp as part of the deal. 

Optima’s AI-native learning experience adjusts itself in real time, tailoring how it paces a lesson, explains concepts and gives feedback to each learner’s individual profile. Optima’s and DataCamp’s platforms are used by leading Middle Eastern tech brands such as Talabat and Careem and large enterprises such as ADQ. It helps these companies keep one-step ahead of the extraordinary pace of the AI evolution and the rapidly evolving data demands on today’s workforce. 

Optima technology is already powering key curriculum in the DataCamp platform, and premium subscribers can opt for the AI-native experience in many of the company’s top courses. Optima’s technology will be integrated across more of the platform over the next six months, further supercharging DataCamp’s existing library and net new curriculum. 

“Optima was built in the UAE to embed intelligence directly into the learning experience, so we can intuitively adjust each lesson to who a learner is and what they already know, and equip them to succeed in the global AI economy. From our first conversation with the DataCamp team, it was clear how much our visions aligned,” said Yusuf Saber, founder and CEO of Optima. “By bringing Optima’s AI-native learning experience into DataCamp’s global platform, and by creating free access for government employees, educators, and students, we have an opportunity to set a new standard for how people in the country learn online.”

Prioritising Access to Data and AI Courses to Upskill the UAE

The UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to position the country as a global leader in AI by prioritising the development of local talent and widespread upskilling initiatives. The strategy's ambitious goals focus on building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, ensuring that UAE government employees and students are equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities needed in the evolving AI economy. 

DataCamp Classrooms will be launched in the UAE, giving educators and students free access to a library of more than 500 courses covering Python, SQL, Power BI, Java, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and more. DataCamp will also make its popular “Intro to AI” course free for six months for all UAE Government employees and students. 

Demand from Global Enterprises Powers Business Growth 

The exploding field of AI requires that companies constantly invest in upskilling their employees. DataCamp has established itself as a leader in the market by providing an engaging, modern learning experience that covers both general concepts and hands-on instruction in building with new AI tools. Acquiring Optima makes DataCamp even more indispensable for large enterprises looking to future-proof their workforces.

DataCamp’s acquisition of Optima accelerates its market leadership at a time of considerable momentum for the company. DataCamp is cashflow positive and expects to cross $100 million in annualised recurring revenue before the end of 2026. It has 18 million learners on its platform, with employees from 80 percent of the Fortune 1000 represented among its learner base. It has a booming B2B business with 6,000 customers, currently growing at close to 30% year-over-year, serving some of the largest names in technology (Google, Uber), finance (including the top four largest US banks), retail and manufacturing (Nike, Stanley, Black & Decker), and the pharmaceutical industry (Roche, Pfizer), among many others. 

“DataCamp is turning the page on an era of online learning defined by static and generic content,” said Jonathan Cornellisen, co-founder and CEO of DataCamp. “The field of data and AI is evolving faster than ever, and DataCamp is focusing on dynamic, human-centred learning to help people and organisations thrive amid upheaval. With the Optima team now part of DataCamp, we’ve never been better placed to redefine how organisations move their people along the learning curve.”